Laser weapon system

ABSTRACT

A laser weapon system is described. Particularly, embodiments describe subsystems of a laser weapon system including those necessary for laser generation, operational control, optical emission, and heat dissipation configured to provide a lightweight unit of reduced dimensions.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation application claiming prioritybenefit, with regard to all common subject matter, of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/448,734, filed Jun. 21, 2019, and entitled“LASER WEAPON SYSTEM” (“the '734 application”). The '734 Application isa non-provisional patent application and claims priority benefit, withregard to all common subject matter, of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/690,067, filed Jun. 26, 2018. The identifiedearlier-filed patent applications are hereby incorporated by referencein their entirety into the present application.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

Embodiments of the invention are broadly directed to systems and methodsof producing a laser for a system that has reduced size and weight.Specifically, embodiments of the invention address limitations caused bythe weight, power consumption, and heat mitigation requirements toenable a weaponized laser generation system that is light enough to beat least partially carried by one or more humans.

2. Related Art

Modern laser weapons systems provide an array of powerful tacticalabilities. Specifically, laser weapons are particularly valuable tocounter-explosive applications, such as detonation of unexplodedordinance (UXO), improvised explosive devices (IEDs), or mines,counter-infrastructure applications, such as destroying targetcommunications systems, cameras, power systems, radar, lights, powersystems, or locks, and counter-moving-target applications, such asincapacitating or destroying airborne, terrestrial, or maritime unmanneddrones. These are only a handful of examples in which a laser weaponsystem provides a powerful tool in tactical operations that may besuperior in performance, speed, safety, and stealth to other weapons.

As a specific example, thermal energy from an incident laser beam can beused to heat explosives from a distance. As the outer target housing ofthe target heats up and begins to melt, the inner surface reaches its“flash point”, causing the unwanted explosive to begin a low orderdetonation. Using thermal energy from a distance to detonate the targetmay provide multiple advantages over other methods, such as attemptingto shoot and detonate the explosive using a rifle, or detonating thetarget using C-4 explosive, either of which approaches take more timeand may present increased danger.

However, such laser weapon systems are traditionally both very large andvery heavy due to the many subsystems required to generate, power, andfocus the laser, as well as subsystems controlling the operation of theoverall system and mitigating its considerable heat production. As aresult, currently existing systems are either immobile or mounted tolarge vehicles, such as a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (“MRAP”)tactical vehicle used by the United States Military. This is costly,conspicuous, and may be undesirable for operations in which a vehicle isunwanted or those taking place in areas where vehicular traffic isunavailable. Accordingly, there is a need for systems and methodologiesallowing for generation of an intense, controlled laser capable ofdamaging targets from a distance that require a reduced size and/orweight, enabling the system to be used in a wider array of locations andscenarios.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention address this need by generating lasersusing systems, methods, and configurations configured to reduce the sizeand weight of the system while maximizing utilization of power and heatmitigation resources. Embodiments of the invention may further includesteps of implementing one or more modes of power utilization activatingparticular subsystems and/or deactivating others. Embodiments mayinclude removable subsystems for managing the laser weapon system in asafe, convenient manner that improves the uptime of the weapon.Embodiments of the invention further include various subsystems forpowering, generating, focusing, and emitting the laser, as well assubsystems for heat mitigation and computerized control of the system.

In a first embodiment, a laser weapon system includes a laser generationmodule comprising a diode, such as one or more laser pump diodes. Thelaser generation module may be connected via fiber optic cable to anemitting unit configured to direct a generated laser towards a target.Heat is exchanged from the laser generation module into a coolant, whichmay then release heat into an at least partially solid phase changematerial, contributing to its melting. Coolants used in embodiments maybe alcohol or water based, but this is not intended as limiting. Anyappropriate coolant may be utilized in embodiments. The system furthercomprises a chiller for increasing a rate at which heat is exhaustedfrom the system, contributing to the freezing of the phase changematerial for subsequent remelting by the waste heat of the system. Thesystem may be carried by one or more people, possibly in tandem with anautonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle. The system may further include acontrol module portion that may be communicatively coupled to thecarried portion of the system to enable a user to manage functionalityand/or monitor various measurable variables of the system, such as thetemperature of particular components, a selected power utilization mode,or a remaining charge level.

In a second embodiment, a laser weapon system comprises a carried bodyincluding a processor configured for control of the laser weapon system,a laser generation module comprising a diode, and a heat mitigationmodule utilizing heat received from the laser generation module to atleast partially convert a phase change material from a solid form to aliquid form. The system further comprises an emitting unit with a lenscoupled via fiber optic cable to the laser generation module. The systemmay physically couple with one or more removable cooling pods containingphase change material and/or removable batteries. The removable coolingpod(s) and/or system as a whole may integrate (or “dock”) with a chillerthat is not part of the carried body to “recharge” the cooling power ofthe pod(s) by increasing the rate at which the phase change materialfreezes to its solid form. That is, a chiller separate from a portioncarried by a user may be used to freeze some or all of the phase changematerial within one or more removable cooling pods. In such anembodiment, a secondary chiller may or may not be included with theportion of the system carried by the user. The laser may be generated inresponse to manual actuation of an activation mechanism, such as atrigger, button, or plunger, and may require an arming authorizationsuch as a physical key, biometric input, and/or passcode beforeactivating.

In a third embodiment, a laser weapon system comprises a lasergeneration module comprising a diode (for example, pump diodes), a heatmitigation module comprising a phase change material, a chiller inthermal contact with the heat mitigation module, and a control modulecomprising a processor. The processor is configured to implement one ofa plurality of power utilization modes, including a firing mode in whichthe laser generation module actively generating a laser and the chilleris only passively cooling, and a thermal correction mode in which thelaser generation module is dormant, not generating a laser, and thechiller is actively cooling the phase change material to increase therate at which it freezes to its solid form. The processor may further beconfigured to implement a high power usage mode in which the lasergeneration is actively generating a laser and the chiller is activelycooling the phase change material to increase the rate at which itfreezes to its solid form, a mode which may require a user's manualselection to initiate. Other triggers of mode changes may includeexpiration of a timer, reduction of battery charge below a giventhreshold, and/or receiving a signal that a portion of the system hassurpassed a temperature threshold.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the detaileddescription. This summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other aspectsand advantages of the current invention will be apparent from thefollowing detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanyingdrawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

Embodiments of the invention are described in detail below withreference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary hardware platform for certain embodiments ofthe invention;

FIGS. 2A-2C depict embodiments of a carried body in a single housingcontaining the control, laser generation, and heat mitigation modules;

FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of an emitting unit coupled to a firearm;

FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an emittingunit;

FIG. 5A depicts a portion of a control module embodied as an integratedportion of a carried body;

FIG. 5B depicts an embodiment of a portion of a control moduleconfigured as a freely moving device;

FIG. 6 depicts a conceptual diagram of power utilization modes that maybe employed in embodiments of the invention; and

FIG. 7 depicts a first flowchart illustrating the operation of a methodin accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

The drawing figures do not limit the invention to the specificembodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearlyillustrating the principles of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems and methods forgenerating, focusing, and emitting a laser beam capable of damagingtargets from a distance. Embodiments include subsystems for powering,generating, focusing, and emitting the laser, as well as subsystems forheat mitigation and computerized control of the system. Embodiments ofthe invention may further be carried by a single person, perhaps in abackpack, may be carried by multiple people, or may be carried by one ormore people cooperatively with one or more vehicles, which may or maynot be autonomous or semi-autonomous. These examples are not intended aslimiting. Any embodiment providing the structures and/or employing themethods described herein for a laser weapon system with reduced size andweight is intended for inclusion in embodiments of the invention.

Generally, the sophisticated subsystems necessary for powering,generating, and maintaining a laser beam of sufficient intensity fordamaging targets, including “hard” targets comprised of metal,necessitate a large, heavy, and/or completely immobile system.Exacerbating the obstacles of size and weight is the excessive heatgenerated by the system, primarily produced by the module responsiblefor generation of the laser. Without proper mitigation, the producedheat could quickly cause failure of the laser weapon system, possiblycatastrophically so, which could endanger the user(s) of the system, thegoals of the mission for which the weapon is being used, and/or theintegrity of the weapon system itself. This “waste” heat from the lasergeneration module can build up very quickly unless a powerful heatmitigation subsystem is provided, significantly adding to the size andweight to be transported. For these reasons, the most mobile versions ofconventional laser weapon systems are typically integrated or affixed toa large terrestrial platform, such as a traditional diesel-poweredwheeled vehicle.

If the weight and size of the required subsystems could be significantlyreduced or offloaded to a secondary location, the laser weapon systemcould be provided in a form that could be carried, perhaps by a singleperson. This would allow the system to be used in locations, situations,and missions in which a vehicle is unavailable or undesirable. Forexample, an entire laser weapon system could be integrated into abackpack for convenience and comfort. A carried laser weapon systemwould provide valuable tactical abilities in multiple applications, suchas detonation of unexploded ordinance or IEDs, ranged sabotage ofinfrastructures, and/or neutralization of unwanted aerial surveillancedrones. These applications are merely exemplary and are intended neitheras limiting nor exhaustive. Currently, the sheer size and weight oflaser weapons systems prevent the value of a weaponized laser frombecoming fully realized.

Embodiments of the invention first address these issues by providingconfigurations of subsystems that generate damaging lasers in alightweight platform of reduced size, such that portions of the systemmay be carried by a person. Embodiments further may offload portions ofthe laser weapon system from the portion to be carried, minimizing theburden on the carrier(s). Embodiments further may mitigate heat usingsystems, methods, and/or modes of operation that reduce the peak powerconsumption of the system, lowering the weight to be carried bynecessitating less only a smaller, lighter power source. Thisdescription is intended as an example of embodiments of the inventionand is not intended to be limiting.

The subject matter of embodiments of the invention is described indetail below to meet statutory requirements; however, the descriptionitself is not intended to limit the scope of claims. Rather, the claimedsubject matter might be embodied in other ways to include differentelements, structures, steps, or combinations of steps similar to theones described in this document, in conjunction with other present orfuture technologies. Minor variations from the description below areintended to be captured within the scope of the claimed invention. Termsshould not be interpreted as implying any particular ordering of varioussteps described unless the order of individual steps is explicitlydescribed.

The following detailed description of embodiments of the inventionreferences the accompanying drawings that illustrate specificembodiments in which the invention can be practiced. The embodiments areintended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Otherembodiments can be utilized and changes can be made without departingfrom the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is,therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of embodimentsof the invention is defined only by the appended claims, along with thefull scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

In this description, references to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or“embodiments” mean that the feature or features being referred to areincluded in at least one embodiment of the technology. Separatereference to “one embodiment” “an embodiment”, or “embodiments” in thisdescription do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and are alsonot mutually exclusive unless so stated and/or except as will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art from the description. For example,a feature, structure, or act described in one embodiment may also beincluded in other embodiments but is not necessarily included. Thus, thetechnology can include a variety of combinations and/or integrations ofthe embodiments described herein.

Operational Environment for Embodiments of the Invention

Turning first to FIG. 1, an exemplary platform that can form an elementof certain embodiments of the invention is depicted. In someembodiments, certain components may be arranged differently or absent.Additional components may also be present. A laser weapon system 100 isillustrated in an embodiment that a single person may be capable ofcarrying on their back. This is not intended as limiting—embodiments maybe carried on any part of a single person, split amongst multiplepeople, partially or wholly carried by manually-driving, autonomous, orsemi-autonomous vehicles, wholly or partially borne by an animal, orotherwise mobilized via any suitable structures. In some embodiments, alaser weapon system may be sized and shaped such that it may beintegrated within a military-issued backpack conforming to standardssuch as MOLLE II or other standardized military articles of luggage orgarments. In some embodiments, the backpack may comprise a hard-shelledexterior.

The embodiment of laser weapon system 100 illustrated includes a controlmodule 102, heat mitigation module 110, laser generation module 104, apower source 112, a fiber optic cable 118, and an emitting unit 114.FIG. 1 is merely one example of a platform that may be provided inembodiments of the invention and is not intended as limiting. Each ofthese illustrated portions will be discussed in further detail below,beginning with control module 102.

The control module 102 comprises input controls 124, a physical key port126, a display 128, and a processor (not illustrated). The inputcontrols 124 may comprise switches, buttons, knobs, dials, or any otherphysical input that may be used to adjust the functionality of lasersystem 100 or monitor its status via display 128. Display 128 may beprovided as any kind of input and/or output screen appropriate formonitoring and/or controlling laser weapon system 100, such as atouch-sensitive LED screen, in some embodiments. In other embodiments,display 128 may be provided purely for output or may be omittedaltogether. Physical key port(s) 126 may be configured to integrate withany type or number of physical keys in order to activate, arm, and/orfire the laser weapon system. In some embodiments, control module 102may accept biometric input such as a fingerprint through display 128 ora dedicated biometric input element not illustrated, appropriate forcollecting the type of biometric information being utilized. Forinstance, examples of other biometric input elements may include acamera or other module configured for scanning a user's eye or amicrophone for recording a voice sample. In embodiments, biometric inputelements may not be integrated into control module 102, but rather maybe physically separated but in wired or wireless communication with thecontrol module. Regardless of the type of biometric informationcollected, embodiments of the invention may compare the collectedbiometric information to prestored signature biometric informationstored in memory to determine a successful input of an armingauthorization, discussed further below.

Control module 102 may further comprise a wireless communication circuitsuch as an RF transmitter-receiver for enabling wireless communicationwith a remote location. This is not intended as limiting—structures forproviding any manner of wireless communication are intended forinclusion in embodiments of the invention including those utilizingcellular phone networks, public-switched telephone networks, andsatellite communications. As further described below, in embodiments thewireless communication circuit may be necessary for receiving an armingauthorization signal from a remote location. Control module 102 mayfurther comprise and/or be communicatively coupled to a timing unit,temperature sensing probe, and/or battery charge indicator.

In some embodiments, some or all of control module 102 may be providedin a hand-held and/or arm-mounted body, physically separate from theother modules of laser weapon system 100 but communicatively coupled viawired and/or wireless connection. Any protocol of wireless connectionmay be employed in embodiments of the invention. For example, Bluetooth,WiFi, infra-red (IR) or a proprietary wireless protocol may be used.Also included in laser weapon system 100 is a local storage module,which may be any form of computer-readable media and may be internallyinstalled in control module 102 and/or externally and removeablyattached. Computer-readable media include both volatile and nonvolatilemedia, removable and nonremovable media, and contemplate media readableby a database. For example, computer-readable media include (but are notlimited to) RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology,Secure Digital (SD) or Micro SD cards, CD-ROM, digital versatile discs(DVD), holographic media or other optical disc storage, magneticcassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, and other magneticstorage devices. These technologies can store data temporarily orpermanently. However, unless explicitly specified otherwise, the term“computer-readable media” should not be construed to include physical,but transitory, forms of signal transmission such as radio broadcasts,electrical signals through a wire, or light pulses through a fiber-opticcable. Examples of stored information include computer-useableinstructions, data structures, program modules, and other datarepresentations. The laser weapon system 100 may include ports forinputting and outputting digital information, including but not limitedto one or more Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports. Laser weapon system 100may additionally include a geographic location sensing element such as aGlobal Positioning System (GPS) module that may be located in controlmodule 102. Control module 102 may provide displays and/or inputcontrols for monitoring and adjusting a power utilization mode of thelaser weapon system 100, which will further be discussed below.

Heat mitigation module 110 may comprise a reservoir 105 containing aphase change material and/or may be configured to integrate with one ormore removable cooling pods 108 containing a phase change material. Someembodiments may have both reservoir 105 and removable cooling pods 108,while other embodiments may have only one or the other. In embodiments,reservoir 105 may be provided as multiple reservoirs that may or may notbe connected. In embodiments, a portion of the phase change material ina liquid form may be evacuated from the reservoir 105 into one or morecooling pods 108 or from a first cooling pod 108 into a second coolingpod 108. The cooling pods may be, for example, configured to integratewith a portion of the laser weapon system 100 such as the chillerforming at least a portion of heat mitigation module 110. Inembodiments, the pods may be provided in a form capable of coupling withstandardized military equipment. In some embodiments, heat mitigationmodule 110 may further comprise an emissive coating and/or structuralcooling elements (e.g., cooling fins) for radiating heat away from thesystem. Phase change materials used in embodiments may, for example,include inorganic (e.g., salt hydrate), inorganic eutectic, and/ororganic (e.g., bio-based, paraffin or carbohydrate/lipid derived), orsolid/solid phase change materials. Any type of phase change material,now known or later developed is contemplated as being within the scopeof the invention.

The heat mitigation module 110 may further comprise a plate-fin styleheat exchanger. In embodiments, one or more types of phase changematerials may be used to absorb heat received from a coolant flowingthrough coolant circulation system 106, causing the phase changematerial to at least partially melt from its solid form to liquid form.The coolant may be driven through coolant circulation system 106 via apump 130 to receive heat from laser generation module 104. Coolantcirculation system 106 and/or pump 130 may be absent in embodiments,relying rather on direct heat conduction between portions of lasergeneration module 104 and heat mitigation module 110. Embodiments mayemploy both coolant circulation system 106 with pump 130 and direct heatconduction.

Heat mitigation module 110 may be in thermal contact with a chiller fordisplacing heat from the phase change material and/or coolant to thesurrounding environment of the laser weapon system 100. In embodiments,when the chiller is active it operates to increase the rate at which thephase change material returns from its liquid form to its solid form(freezes). In some embodiments, the chiller may merely slow the rate atwhich the phase change material melts from the solid form to the liquidform. As will be further discussed below, in some embodiments thechiller may not be integrated within heat mitigation module 110, but mayinstead be located separate from the rest of the system 100, reducingthe weight to be carried by a user (or other transportation body). Inother embodiments, both integrated and separate chillers may beincluded. In such embodiments, removable cooling pods 108 may be coupledto (or “docked” on) the remote chiller to increase the rate at which thephase change material freezes, “recharging” them for future use. Thechiller in such an embodiment may be larger, faster, and/or morepowerful than a chiller carried with the system in other embodiments.The result is a lighter system that resolidifies phase change materialmore quickly, but requires access to a remote chiller station. Inembodiments, such a remote chiller station may itself be mobile, such asintegrated into a vehicle or carried by another user, drone, or animal.In embodiments, the remote chiller may be configured to dock with theentire carried body 101, resolidifying the phase change material and/orrecharging power source 112.

In embodiments, the heat mitigation module 110 may be operable todetermine the amount of phase change material in a solid form (or,conversely, the amount of phase change material in a liquid form) andprovide this information a processor of control module 102. Inembodiments, the amount of phase change material sensed in a given formmay be represented by a volume, mass, or weight or a fraction orpercentage of the capacity of the reservoir 105. It will be appreciatedthat there is a known mathematical correspondence between the amount ofphase change material in a solid form and the amount in a liquid form(regardless of the units used to measure), and thus for any of theembodiments described in which a remaining amount of phase changematerial in a given form is used by the processor of control module 102to manage the operation of the laser weapon system 100, either of theamount of phase change material in a solid form or a liquid form isintended for inclusion, though it may not be expressly stated.

The system 100 may further comprise one or more fans 132 to facilitateheat removal from the system. Operation of fans 132 may be automaticbased on sensed parameters, such as ambient or system temperatures,associated with a power utilization mode, and/or manually controlled bya user. In embodiments, any number of fans 132 may be place at anylocation on carried body 101.

Laser generation module 104 may comprise one or more laser pump diodesfor producing the laser. Specifically, embodiments may integrate a seedlaser to multiple stages of amplifying fibers, such as fiber optic cable118, which may function as both an amplifier for the seed laser and as acoupling connection by which the amplified laser is provided to emittingunit 114. In embodiments, the amplification fibers may amplify the laseroutput by the seed laser in stages of 10X to 20X amplification,resulting in up to a 200X amplified laser by the point that it is outputfrom emitting unit 114. Any or all of these components for generatingand amplifying the emitted laser may produce substantial waste heat thatheat mitigation module 110 must store and/or dissipate. As such, any ofthese components may be directly or indirectly thermally coupled to heatmitigation module 110.

As will be further discussed, emitting unit 114 may comprise at leastone lens and be operable to direct the laser towards an intended target.In embodiments of the invention, the emitted laser is focused on thedesired target by adjusting the distance between the output end of fiberoptic cable 118 and a lens, perhaps via a knob, locking slide, and/orcomputer-controlled actuator. As illustrated in FIG. 1, emitting unit114 may be configured to couple to a firearm 116, which mayadvantageously leverage a user's comfort, skill, and training with thefirearm 116 in safely and successfully operating the laser weapon system100. For example, firearm 116 may be a standard-issue military weapon,such as an AR-15 rifle that is coupled to the emitting unit 114 via aMIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail system. This is not intended as limiting. Inother embodiments, the firearm 116 may be mounted to emitting unit 114via a unique physical coupling, utilizing hardware that is notreconfigurable without specialized tools. In other embodiments, emittingunit may not be coupled to a firearm 116, but rather provided as astandalone handheld unit, mounted on a user's person, clothing, orcarried item, located on an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle suchas a drone, or removably affixed to a building or other structure.

In some embodiments, the laser weapon system includes an activationmechanism operable to activate the laser generation module whenactuated, firing the laser. This may, for example, be provided as asecondary trigger alongside the primary trigger for firearm 116, as abutton or switch integrated into a portion of firearm 116 or emittingunit 114, provided via a handheld portion of control module 102,provided as a plunger-type switch to be held by a user and/or removablyaffixed the firearm 116, emitting unit 114, or the user's person (suchas on a belt or shoulder strap). These examples of activation mechanismsare not intended as limiting. For example, in an embodiment, theactivation mechanism may comprise a microphone coupled to and/orintegrated into control until 102 that is operable to fire the weaponafter detection of an authorizing command spoken by a user. Inembodiments in which the emitting unit 114 is provided as a dedicatedhandheld unit, the activation mechanism may be a button, trigger, orother input element integrated into the device. In some embodiments,firing the laser weapon may require a voice match with an identifyingvoice template of the user stored in memory. In other embodiments, thelaser generation module 104 may be fired remotely, based on a remotecommand issued from an operations center monitoring a camera, such asone worn on the user's person. Any of these envisioned activationmechanisms 120 may be partially or wholly integrated into control module102, in embodiments.

The system 100 may further include an intensity control input, allowinga user to select one of a plurality of possible intensities of lasers tobe generated by the laser generation module 104 for emission viaemitting unit 114. The intensity control may be integrated into thecarried body 101, coupled to a freely moving portion of control module102, coupled or integrated to a firearm 116, or be its own freestandingmodule communicatively connected to the control module 102 via wired orwireless means. Examples of intensity control inputs may include knobs,buttons, switches, voice commands inputs, sliders, or any other physicalor virtual (via touch screen input) controls that enable a user to varythe intensity of the generated laser beam. These examples are notintended as limiting. In embodiments, an intensity control input mayallow a user direct control over the intensity of the laser or present aselect number of intensities from which the user may choose. Theintensity control input may be active only in the System Ready Mode 604(discussed below) or may be available in any other mode. The intensitycontrol may require an arming authorization be provided before enablingadjustment of the laser intensity.

For example, an intensity control may be a knob provided on the exteriorof carried body 101, located on the lower side panel such that it isaccessible to a user while the system (in a backpack embodiment) isbeing worn. The knob, in this example, may present a low intensity andhigh intensity laser option. The low intensity laser may be useful forsystem alignment, aiming or calibration. Also, a low intensity laser maybe suitable for damaging “softer” targets like those made of wood,requiring less power than a high intensity laser for achieving theobjective. This low intensity laser option can also be used to provideheating of a surface of a target to allow “tagging” such that the targetcan be better tracked using thermal camera systems. When anotherobjective, perhaps made of steel, requires a high intensity laser, theintensity control knob may be adjusted to the cause the laser generationmodule 104 to produce a stronger laser, using more power by providing ahigher damage output.

Power source 112 may supply all or a portion of the power needed foreach of the control module 102, heat mitigation module 110, and lasergeneration module 104. In some embodiments, power source 112 maycomprise one or more removable batteries, such as lithium ion batteries.This is not intended as limiting. In embodiments, any suitable powersource may be utilized and/or the power source may be permanentlyintegrated into the laser weapon system 100. The power source 112 may becharged via corded coupling with an external power source and/ortemporary docking with a remote battery charger, such as a generator ora companion recharging dock integrated into a vehicle. In embodiments,the power source 112 may be physically and/or operably disconnected froma portion or all of the other components of system 100 until the systemis being prepared to fire. Again, these systems and methods ofrecharging are not intended to be limiting.

Further illustrated in FIG. 1 is sighting scope 122, which may becoupled to firearm 116 or emitting unit 114 in embodiments of theinvention. In other embodiments, the sighting scope 122 may be providedin a freely movable self-contained handheld unit and/or coupled to theuser's person. Sighting scope 122 may be dedicated to operation of thelaser weapon or may be additionally used for targeting the primaryprojectile firing operation of firearm 116. Particularly, sinceembodiments of the laser weapon system 100 may produce an infrared laserthat is invisible to a human eye, sighting scope 122 may be provided toallow a user to see the point and/or object being impacted by theemitted laser. For instance, sighting scope 122 may be a day/nightsighting scope, capable of representing light reflected from theincident point in a visible form to the user's eye. Alternatively,sighting scope 122 may be a thermal scope, allowing the user to see atemperature increase caused by the incident laser. In either embodiment,sighting scope 122 allows the user to verify that the emitted laser isimpacting the intended target, adjusting the direction and/or focusingof the emitting unit 114 accordingly if it is not.

In certain embodiments, laser weapon system may include an inclinometer134, which may be integrated into emitting unit 114, sighting scope 122,or elsewhere on the laser weapon system or user's person. Inclinometer134 may be utilized in embodiments of the invention to prevent and/orcease generation of a laser via laser generation module 104 when thesensed angle of inclinometer indicates that the emitted laser is or islikely to project into outer space. In some embodiments, detection of aninclination past a threshold inclination and/or above a determinedhorizon may initiate a warning and/or may cause initiation of a timerthat, upon expiration, prevents and/or ceases generation of a laser vialaser generation module 104. In embodiments, the warning and/or timermay be cancelled or overridden by a manual input by a user to controlmodule 102 and/or from activation mechanism 120 and/or a received remotesignal. In embodiments, the processor of the system 100 is configured toautomatically cease generation of the laser by the laser generationmodule when the inclinometer determines that the emitting unit isdirected above a threshold angle.

Any of the above elements, modules, controls, or units illustrated ordiscussed may be structurally, electrically, and/or communicativelyconnected using structures or wires not expressly illustrated ordescribed. For example, in embodiments, a wire may run from controlmodule 102 to activation mechanism 120 and/or inclinometer 134.

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict embodiments of carried body 101 contained withina single housing 201 configured to provide a convenient unit fortransport by a user. In embodiments, the carried body 101 may compriseall of the modules 102, 104, 110 illustrated and described. In otherembodiments, modules or other elements illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2Bmay be carried separate from housing 201 or may not be carried at all,for example in the case of a remote chiller discussed previously. Inembodiments, a portion of housing 201 may be provided by a structuralportion of control module 102, laser generation module 104, heatmitigation module 110, and/or power source 112. For example, a portionof housing 201 may be formed by the outer casing of a battery comprisingpower source 112.

FIG. 2C depicts an embodiment of the unit illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2Bwithin an encompassing backpack to enable a user to carry the unit. Thebackpack may, in embodiments, be a standard issue military backpack ormay be specially configured for transporting the carried body 101. Ofcourse, this is not intended as limiting. Embodiments of carried body101 may be provided in any shape and/or within any encompassingstructure convenient for transportation by one or more users, animals,and/or traditional, autonomous, or semi-autonomous vehicles, includingdrones. For example, all or a portion of carried body 101 may be borneby a semi-autonomous terrestrial drone, configured to determine its ownpath while staying within a threshold distance of a user carryingemitting unit 114. In embodiments, this may be achieved throughdetection by the drone of a short-range wireless signal transmitted fromthe user's person and/or optical tracking of the user by the drone.Additionally or alternatively, a semi-autonomous vehicle may travelalong a predetermined path and/or to a programmed destination, but maysubstantially match the pace of a user. These are merely examples of howa drone may operate semi-autonomously and are not intended as limiting.

FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of emitting unit 114 and sighting scope 122coupled to a firearm 116. As illustrated, the emitting unit 114 iscoupled to a rail coupling system, positioned to the side of the firearmto allow use of sighting scope 122 for gross targeting. In embodiments,activation mechanism 120 may be provided on or near emitting unit 114,on or near the trigger of firearm 116, provided separately as a button,switch, or plunger, or located on the grip 302, stock 304, hand guard306, or foregrip (not illustrated) of firearm 116 such that the user mayactivate the laser generation module 104 without removing their handsfrom a natural position for operating the firearm. In embodiments, thelaser generated by the system 100 may be fired using the firearm'straditional trigger, via selection of a laser weapon option on a fireselector switch. As such, normal operation of the firearm 116 may bedisabled during laser selection or operation in embodiments of theinvention, perhaps through implementation of a safety interlock. In anembodiment, fiber optic cable 118 may decouple from the emitting unit114, allowing the unit to remain coupled to the firearm 116 when thecarried body 101 is distant from the firearm. This may be desirablewhile transporting the system 100 because prior focusing and/or sightingperformed for the positioning of the emitting unit 114 on the firearm116 is maintained. Embodiments may include mechanisms allowing for quickconnection and disconnection of the fiber optic cable 118 to theemitting unit 114 and/or stowage of the fiber optic cable 118 on orwithin the housing 201 of carried body 101. For example, whendisconnected, fiber optic cable may automatically wind up in or onhousing 201 using mechanical and/or electrical motivation.

The firearm mounting illustrated in FIG. 3 is intended only as exemplaryand is not limiting. In embodiments, the emitting unit may removablyand/or permanently couple to a structure, vehicle (including traditionalvehicles, autonomous vehicles, or semi-autonomous vehicles), user'sperson, or dedicated carried body. For example, emitting unit 114 maymount to the shoulder or headwear of a person, or may couple or beintegrated into a carried framework, such as a body resembling atraditional firearm but lacking the mechanisms required for traditionalammunition firing, or may be affixed to a portable detachable structuresuch as a tripod.

A cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of emitting unit 114is illustrated in FIG. 4, coupled to fiber optic cable 118 to receivethe generated laser from cable terminus 408. A focusing knob 402 isprovided that is operable, in embodiments, to adjust the distancebetween cable terminus 408 and first lens 404. The simple two lensoptical design of the telescope of illustrated in FIG. 4 allows thelaser emitted via second lens 406 to be focused in the far field,without the need for a dedicated element to receive, focus, andcollimate the laser. However, this is not intended as limiting.Alternative constructions of emitting unit 114 comprising any number oflenses and other structures for focusing the emitted laser includingdedicated focusing lenses are intended for inclusion in embodiments ofthe invention. In some embodiments, emitting unit 114 may comprisebaffling 410 to reduce stray light emissions. In some embodiments,emitting unit 114 may be operable to produce and emit a visible laserlight for focusing the laser weapon prior to or while firing the highpower laser.

In embodiments, control module 102 may be segmented into two parts: afirst part that may move freely and a second part forming a portionintegral to carried body 101. These two portions are communicativelycoupled via wired or wireless connection to perform the functionsdescribed in this specification for control module 102 that may be moreconvenient to a user bearing the system. Illustrated in FIG. 5A is anexemplary portion of control module integral to the carried body 101,while FIG. 5B is an embodiment of the freely-moving portion, constructedas a handheld device similar to a rugged smartphone or tablet computer.The embodiments illustrated are not meant to be limiting, but merelyexemplary of how a portion control module 102 may be constructed. Inembodiments, multiple freely moving portions of control module 102 maybe provided, which may be affixed to a user's person, such as by an armor wrist strap.

Each of the portions of control module 102 illustrated in FIGS. 5A and5B may include input controls 124, physical key port 126, and/or antenna136, which may be provided as an internal antenna, in embodiments.Embodiments may additionally or alternatively include a heads-up display(HUD) provided on a portion of headwear such as goggles, glasses,facemask, and/or a transparent component of a helmet. Embodiments maycommunicatively connect portions of the control module 102 via wiredand/or wireless connections, or may only provide a single, integratedportion. Embodiments may provide the integrated portion as an internalcomponent of the carried body 101 only, not visible to the user,requiring input via one or more freely moving portions. That is, theintegrated portion of control module 102 may be invisible to a user,providing no visible input controls or outputs, but rather providing alloutput and receiving all input from a remote location and/or a freelymoving portion of the control module, such as the wireless embodiment ofFIG. 5B.

Whether integrated into the carried body or freely moving, a portion ofthe control module 102 may comprise a display 128 for outputting andinputting information to and from a user. For example, the display 128may display a remaining power level of the system and/or a temperaturereading of at least a portion of the system. Specifically, in anembodiment, an output screen, such as an input/output touch screendisplay 128 may be affixed to a user's arm or provided on an oculardisplay to provide an updated report on the temperature, charge,remaining phase change material level, laser intensity level, and/orcurrent power utilization mode of the system.

Operation of Embodiments of the Invention

FIG. 6 presents a conceptual diagram of power utilization modes that maybe established and maintained in embodiments of the invention. Thesemodes may be initialized once the system is provided with power, such asby batteries or other external power. In embodiments, some of the modesillustrated and described herein may be unused or unavailable, while inother embodiments power utilization modes not described may be employed.The arrows presented in FIG. 6 represent transitions between powerutilization modes that may be implemented by the processor of thecontrol module 102 in embodiments, though the arrows are not exhaustiveof all power utilization mode transitions envisioned.

In Off Mode 602, the control module 102, heat mitigation module 110, andlaser generation module 104 of laser weapon system 100 are completelydormant, consuming little to no power from power source 112 andgenerating little to no waste heat. In embodiments, local housekeepingfunctions such as local fans 132 may be powered while in Off Mode 602,drawing minimal power. In some embodiments, the power source 112 may bephysically and/or operably disconnected from a portion or all of theother components of system 100 while the system is in Off Mode 602. Inembodiments, connecting or inserting a power source 112, such as aremovable battery, may cause the system to transition to another mode,such as System Ready Mode 604.

From Off Mode 602, the laser weapon system 100 may transition to SystemReady Mode 604 in which the processor of control module 102 becomes atleast partially operational, consuming low amounts of power from powersource 112. In embodiments, heat mitigation module 110 and/or lasergeneration module 104 may become at least partially operational whilethe processor is maintaining System Ready Mode 604, but the lasergeneration module 104 does not produce the high power laser to beemitted and the chiller of heat mitigation module 110 is inactive, thusconserving power. In embodiments, pump 130 and/or fan 132 may beoperational while System Ready Mode 604 is maintained by the processorof control module 102 at a lower operating speed or power than in LaserReady Mode 606, High Usage Mode 608, and/or Thermal Correction Mode 610described below.

From System Ready Mode 604, the processor of control module 102 may beoperable in embodiments to transition the laser weapon system 100 intoeither of a Laser Ready Mode 606 or a High Usage Mode 608. Inembodiments, this may be in response to a user's manual input and/orremotely initiated. In embodiments, transitioning to Laser Ready Mode606, High Usage Mode 608, or any other mode may additionally require anarming authorization input to be received by the processor or asecondary processor, as further discussed below. Additionally, theprocessor may transition the laser weapon system 100 from System ReadyMode 604 to Off Mode 602 based on a user's manual input, a remotesignal, expiration of a timer, a sensed level of phase change materialin a liquid or solid form, sensed available power levels of power source112 falling below a threshold charge level, and/or a temperaturesurpassing a threshold temperature level.

While the laser weapon system is maintained in Laser Ready Mode 606, thelaser generation module 104 is active, generating a seed laser that maybe amplified to a laser beam and directed towards a target via emittingunit 114. However, in order to minimize the overall laser weaponssystem's power consumption (enabling use of a smaller, lighter weightpower source 112), the chiller of system 100 is held inactive while inLaser Ready Mode 606. In particular embodiments, pump 130 drivingcoolant circulation system 106 and/or fan(s) 132 may be active orinactive while in Laser Ready Mode 606. Specifically, four differentsubmodes of Laser Ready Mode 606 may be available in embodiments, eachof which may be selectable by a user, remote signal, and/or processor ofthe control module 102 in embodiments of the invention to carefullycontrol the balance of power usage versus rate at which the systemdissipates heat. In Laser Ready Submode I, each of the pump 130 and fans132 are off. In Laser Generation Ready II, the pump 130 is on and thefans 132 are off. In Laser Ready Submode III, the pump 130 is off andthe fans 132 are on. In Laser Ready Submode IV, each of the pump 130 andfans 132 are on. Further submodes may be available controlling how manyof the available fans are operational.

In embodiments, the processor of control module 102 may transition thelaser weapon system 100 from Laser Ready Mode 606 to another mode basedon a user's manual input, a remote signal, expiration of a timer, sensedavailable power levels of power source 112 falling below a thresholdcharge level, a sensed remaining amount of phase change material in asolid form or a liquid form, and/or a temperature surpassing a thresholdtemperature level. Particularly, in embodiments, the laser weapon system100 may be restricted from transitioning directly from Laser Ready Mode606 to Off Mode 602 by the processor of control module 102, as such atransition may prevent heat from being properly expelled. Further, inembodiments, the laser weapon system 100 may automatically transitionfrom Laser Ready Mode 606 to either of System Ready Mode 604 or ThermalCorrection Mode 610 (discussed below) when a sensed remaining chargelevel of power source 112 falls below a predetermined threshold storedin memory, a remaining amount of phase change material in a solid formdrops below a predetermined fraction, mass, or volume, and/or thetemperature of laser generation module 104 exceeds a predeterminedtemperature threshold stored in memory. In embodiments, the laser weaponsystem 100 may warn the user that such an automatic transition is aboutto occur, allowing the user to initiate a transition manually oroverride the transition via a manual input to control module 102.

While the laser weapon system is maintained in Thermal Correction Mode610 by the processor of control module 102, the laser generation module104 is inactive and a chiller is active in order to dissipate unwantedheat or a heater is active in order to bring the system up to an optimaloperational temperature range (such as for use in cold environments). Itis envisioned that the laser weapon system 100, in embodiments, mayalternate between Laser Ready Mode 606 and Thermal Correction Mode 610,resulting in a trade-off in operational uptime between laser generationmodule 104 and chiller. By operating only one of these subsystems at agiven time, the total power consumption and peak power consumption ofthe system are reduced, allowing the laser weapon system to utilize apower source 112 that is smaller and/or lighter than would otherwise beneeded. In embodiments, the laser weapon system may alternate betweenLaser Ready Mode 606 and Thermal Correction Mode 610 automatically basedon a temperature, time, or charge threshold and/or a fraction of phasechange material remaining in a solid form or a fraction of phase changematerial remaining in a liquid form. That is, when a sensed temperatureof the system 100 surpasses a predetermined temperature threshold, theprocessor of control module 102 may automatically transition embodimentsof the system 100 from Laser Ready Mode 606 to Thermal Correction Mode610. In the same or other embodiments, when a sensed temperature of thesystem 100 drops below (or rises above) a predetermined temperaturethreshold, the processor of control module 102 may thereafter allow atransition of the system 100 from Thermal Correction Mode 610 to LaserReady Mode 606 or High Usage Mode 608. In embodiments, this transitionfrom Thermal Correction Mode 610 to either of Laser Ready Mode 606 orHigh Usage Mode 608 may be allowed only when a sensed fraction of thesystem's phase change material transitions to a solid form.

Similarly, when a sensed remaining charge level of power source 112drops below a predetermined charge threshold, the processor of controlmodule 102 may automatically transition the system from Laser Ready Mode606 to Thermal Correction Mode 610. In some embodiments, the processormay prevent the system from entering Laser Ready Mode or High Usage Modeunless the remaining charge level of power source 112 is above apredetermined charge threshold. In some embodiments, the power source112 may be partially or wholly rechargeable and/or replaceable while thelaser weapon system is in any power utilization mode. Thus, if due tocharging or replacing of batteries the sensed remaining charge levelsurpasses a predetermined threshold, transitioning the system fromeither of Thermal Correction Mode 610 or System Ready Mode 604 to eitherof Laser Ready Mode 606 or High Usage Mode 608 may be enabled.

In some embodiments, transitioning between Laser Ready Mode 606 andThermal Correction Mode 610 may be governed by one or more predeterminedlengths of time. Upon entering Laser Ready Mode 606, for instance, atimer may begin incrementing or decrementing. Upon expiration of a firstpredetermined length of time, the processor of control module 102 mayautomatically transition the system 100 from Laser Ready Mode 606 toThermal Correction Mode 610. In the same or other embodiments, uponexpiration of a second predetermined length of time initiated upontransition to Thermal Correction Mode 610, the processor of controlmodule 102 may allow transitioning the system 100 from ThermalCorrection Mode 610 to Laser Ready Mode 606 or High Usage Mode 608. Inembodiments, the first length of time may be the same or distinct fromthe second length of time. In other embodiments, the same behavior maybe enforced by the processor of control module 102 wherein one or moreof the timers are determined by the processor during operation of thelaser weapon system 100 rather than being predetermined.

In some embodiments, the processor of control module 102 mayautomatically or manually transition the system directly from SystemReady Mode 604 to Thermal Correction Mode 610 to maintain the systemwithin an optimal operational temperature range. While ThermalCorrection Mode 610 is critical for expelling waste heat generated bythe system (particularly laser generation module 104), ThermalCorrection Mode 610 is also utilized in embodiments to account for otherundesirable temperature changes, such as those due to the ambientenvironment. For example, when being used in a high-temperatureenvironment such as a desert, Thermal Correction Mode 610 may bemanually or automatically entered (such as, based on a sensed internaland/or ambient temperature) to lower the system's temperature and/orwholly or partially return the phase change material to a solid state.Similarly, in embodiments, the system may include one or more internalheaters for raising the system to an optimal temperature range when theambient temperature becomes undesirably low.

When the processor of control module 102 transitions the laser weaponsystem 100 to High Usage Mode 608, each of laser generation module 104and chiller are made active. Employing High Usage Mode enables a laserto be fired from emitting unit 114 for a longer period of time; perhapsuntil a sensed temperature of a portion of the system 100 exceeds athreshold temperature, a sensed fraction of the system's phase changematerial transitions to a liquid form, and/or a remaining charge ofpower source 112 drops below a threshold charge level. Since both thelaser generation module and chiller are simultaneously active, HighUsage mode may exhaust power source 112 quickly and/or require thesystem to transition to Thermal Correction Mode 610 for a long time uponexiting High Usage Mode 608 to expel the possibly large amount of heatgenerated. As such, in embodiments, the processor of control module 102may require an additional remote authorization and/or particular manualuser input to transition the system 100 to High Usage Mode 608 from anyof System Ready Mode 604, Laser Ready Mode 606, or Thermal CorrectionMode 610. In embodiments, each of the methods described above fortransitioning the system 100 between Laser Ready Mode 606 and ThermalCorrection Mode 610 based on a remaining charge, temperature, timer,and/or remaining amount of phase change material in a solid form mayfurther be similarly employed for transitioning the system from HighUsage Mode 608 to another power utilization mode and vice versa.Specifically, the processor of control module 102 may automaticallytransition the system 100 from High Usage Mode 608 to Thermal CorrectionMode 610 or Laser Ready Mode 606 when a sensed temperature exceeds orfalls below a predetermined threshold, a remaining charge level orremaining amount of solid phase change material falls below apredetermined threshold, and/or a timer expires. Similarly, theprocessor may only allow the system 100 to enter High Usage Mode 608when a sensed temperature is below a predetermined threshold, aremaining charge level or remaining amount of solid phase changematerial is above a predetermined threshold, and/or a timer expires.Again, in embodiments, any or all of these thresholds and timers may bedetermined during operation rather than being predetermined.Additionally, the processor of control module 102 may transition thesystem 100 from High Usage Mode 608 to Thermal Correction Mode 610 orLaser Ready Mode 606 based on a user's manual selection.

In some embodiments, the processor of control module 102 may prevent thesystem from performing a transition between particular power utilizationmodes illustrated in FIG. 6. For example, the laser weapon system may berestricted by the processor from transitioning directly from either ofLaser Ready Mode 606 and/or High Usage Mode 608 directly to Off Mode 602without first entering and maintaining Thermal Correction Mode 610. Insome embodiments, the system may only transition to Off Mode 602 orSystem Ready Mode 604 when the temperature of the system 100 and/or theamount of phase change material in a liquid form is below apredetermined threshold. In other embodiments, the processor may preventthe system 100 from ever transitioning directly from High Usage Mode toSystem Ready Mode 604 or Laser Ready Mode 606 or vice versa. This listis intended as neither limiting nor exhaustive. In other embodiments,any the system may directly transition between any two power utilizationmodes illustrated or discussed.

In embodiments, transitions between any two of the modes described withregards to FIG. 6 by the processor of control module 102 may require anauthorization input to be received by the processor or a secondaryprocessor before the previously-implemented mode is ceased, and thedesired mode is implemented. The authorization input may come from auser's manual input to the control module 102 and/or from a receivedremote signal. This includes Off Mode 602. Modes not illustrated may bepossible and/or modes illustrated may be omitted in embodiments.Specifically, embodiments of the invention may not allow High Usage Mode608 to be established by the processor of control module 102 because oflimitations on available peak power usage.

Illustrated in FIG. 7 is a method that may be stored incomputer-executable instructions on a non-transitory computer readablemedium of the system according to an embodiment of the inventionbeginning at step 702, in which a laser weapon system is initially inOff Mode 602. The method illustrated in FIG. 7 is only one example ofhow an embodiment of the system may operate and is not intended aslimiting. Specifically, transitions between power utilization modes notexpressly illustrated in FIG. 7 but described elsewhere in thisspecification and/or illustrated in figures are intended for inclusionwithin embodiments of the invention.

Upon user input to control module 102 and/or a signal received from aremote location, the system 100 boots up into System Ready Mode 604 instep 702. System Ready Mode 604 may be used for purposes of testing,calibrating, aiming, passively cooling, and/or initiating operations ofthe system 100 without consuming considerable power or excessivelygenerating heat, as may happen if these purposes were carried out inother modes. In embodiments, the transition from Off Mode 602 to SystemReady Mode 604 may require an arming authorization to be provided to theprocessor of control module 102, which may be provided directly to inputelements of the control module or elsewhere on the system 100 or may beprovided at a remote location and transmitted to the system. Examples ofarming authorizations may include one or more physical keys, such as atraditional key cut from metal, input of a fingerprint, a voice command,or other biometric input, and/or entry of a passcode. In embodiments,power utilization mode transitions that result in arming the system 100may additionally or alternatively require other detected parameters,such as proximity to a sensed location (including being withingeographical boundaries), an acceptable elevation or inclination ofemitting unit 114, or established electronic communication with adistinct electronic device or network.

At step 704, a user or remote operator of the system 100 selects one ofa plurality of other modes to be implemented by the processor of controlmodule 102. Modes may be selected via, for example, an input elementsuch as a button, knob, or touch screen display, which may be coupled toor integrated into a firearm 116 in embodiments. Particularly, a usermay be presented with options for selecting from Laser Ready Mode 606,in which the laser generation module 104 is active but the chiller (orheater) is dormant, or High Usage Mode 608 in which both the lasergeneration module 104 and chiller are active, increasing the length oftime the laser is fired but quickly consuming power. As with thetransition from Off Mode 602 to System Ready Mode 604 described above,transition from System Ready Mode 604 to either of Laser Ready Mode 606or High Usage Mode 608 may require one or more arming authorizations,which may in embodiments be the same or distinct from those required intransition from Off Mode to System Ready Mode. In a particularembodiment, transition from System Ready Mode 602 to Laser Ready Mode604 may be enabled by a first or second arming authorization, whiletransition to High Usage Mode 608 may require specifically the secondarming authorization, indicating a higher authority level.

If Laser Ready Mode 606 is selected in step 704, the method progressesto step 706 in which the processor of the system activates the lasergeneration module 104, enabling a laser beam to be emitted from emittingunit 114 when an activation mechanism 120 is actuated without activatingthe chiller of system 100. In some embodiments, fan(s) 132 and/orpump(s) 130 may be operational while in Laser Ready Mode 606, while inothers the fans and pumps may be inactive. In embodiments, selectiveoperation of fans and/or pumps may be manual by a user, controlled bythe processor of control module 102, or provided as distinct powerutilization modes. Specifically, Laser Ready Mode 606 may comprise fourselectable submodes corresponding to (I) the pumps and fans beinginactive, (II) the pumps being active and the fans being inactive, (III)the pumps being inactive and the fans being active, and (IV) the pumpsand fans being active. Laser Ready Mode 606 may also be called “FiringMode.”

If High Usage Mode 608 is selected in step 704, the processor of thesystem activates both the laser generation module 104 and the chiller ofsystem 100, maximizing the time a laser beam may be emitted fromemitting unit 114 (upon actuation of activation mechanism 120) bysimultaneously actively expelling waste heat but at a cost of requiringa high power output. In some embodiments, entering High Usage Mode mayrequire a specific, higher-level arming authorization than enteringother modes, and/or may require a specific signal received from a remotelocation. Additionally or alternatively, entering or preparing to enterHigh Usage Mode at step 708 may trigger an audible and/or visible alertthat High Usage Mode consumes power quickly and may significantly reducethe longevity of the current power source 112. In some embodiments, thisalert may need to be acknowledged before the system 100 enters HighUsage Mode 608. In embodiments, the processor of control module 102 maytransition the system 100 between Laser Ready Mode and High Usage Modeas needed, based on a user's manual selection, a remote signal, and/orautomatically based on a sensed temperature of a portion of the system.

Similarly, the processor of control module 102 may transition the system100 from either of Laser Ready Mode or High Usage Mode to ThermalCorrection Mode at step 710 based on a user's manual selection,expiration of a timer, a remote signal, and/or automatically based on asensed temperature of a portion of the system or charge remaining inpower source 112. In some embodiments, the processor may prevent thesystem from entering System Ready Mode 604 and/or Off Mode 602 withoutfirst reducing the temperature of at least a portion of the system belowa threshold, perhaps via Thermal Correction Mode 610. Embodiments areenvisioned in which the system reverts from Thermal Correction Mode 610to either of Laser Ready Mode or High Usage Mode as well.

In embodiments, any or all of the power utilization mode transitionsdiscussed above may wholly or partially be controlled by artificialintelligence (AI) performed by the processor of control module 102. Forexample, the operational uptime of the laser and/or longevity of thepower source 112 may be maximized by Al based on, for instance, a sensedambient temperature of the environment in which the system 100 is beingoperated.

Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as wellas components not shown, are possible without departing from the scopeof the claims below. Embodiments of the invention have been describedwith the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternativeembodiments will become apparent to readers of this disclosure after andbecause of reading it. Alternative means of implementing theaforementioned can be completed without departing from the scope of theclaims below. Certain features and subcombinations are of utility andmay be employed without reference to other features and subcombinationsand are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Although theinvention has been described with reference to the embodimentsillustrated in the attached drawing figures, it is noted thatequivalents may be employed and substitutions made herein withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention as recited in the claims. Forexample, though a chiller is disclosed for reducing waste heat in ahigh-temperature environment, embodiments may further comprise a heaterfor operation in an undesirably cold environment. In embodiments, achiller and/or heater are used when needed to bring the system into anoperable temperature range, which is typically dependent uponenvironmental conditions.

Having thus described various embodiments of the invention, what isclaimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent includesthe following:

1. (canceled)
 2. A portable laser weapon system comprising: a lasergeneration module comprising a diode; a fiber optic cable coupled to thelaser generation module; a laser emitting unit coupled to the fiberoptic cable; and a heat mitigation module comprising: at least onereservoir containing a phase change material, at least one removablecooling pod containing a phase change material, or both, wherein heatgenerated by the laser generation module converts the phase changematerial from a first phase to a second phase.
 3. The portable laserweapon system of claim 2, further comprising: a chiller that convertsthe phase change material from the second phase to the first phase. 4.The portable laser weapon system of claim 3, wherein the chiller isremote and is configured to receive the at least one removable coolingpod therein.
 5. The portable laser weapon system of claim 2, wherein thefirst phase is a solid form and the second phase is a liquid form. 6.The portable laser weapon system of claim 2, further comprising asemi-autonomous terrestrial drone for supporting a portion of the systemfor transport.
 7. The portable laser weapon system of claim 2, furthercomprising at least one temperature sensor.
 8. The portable laser weaponsystem of claim 7, further comprising: a control module comprising aprocessor, the processor configured to transition the system betweendifferent operational modes based on a reading from the at least onetemperature sensor.
 9. The portable laser weapon system of claim 2,further comprising an activation mechanism to actuate the lasergeneration module.
 10. The portable laser weapon system of claim 9,wherein the activation mechanism comprises a biometric match.
 11. Aportable laser weapon system comprising: a laser generation module; alaser emitting unit connected to the laser generation module; a heatmitigation module comprising a phase change material, wherein heatgenerated by the laser generation module converts the phase changematerial from a first phase to a second phase; a chiller for convertingthe phase change material from the second phase to the first phase; anda control module comprising a processor, the processor configured totransition the system between the following modes: an off mode; a systemready mode where the laser generation module is partially operationaland the chiller is inactive; a laser ready mode where the lasergeneration module is active and the chiller is inactive; a high usagemode where the laser generation module is active and the chiller isactive; and a thermal correction mode where the laser generation moduleis inactive and the chiller is active.
 12. The portable laser weaponsystem of claim 11, wherein the transition between modes is based on: auser's manual input, a timer, a sensed amount of phase change materialin the first phase, a sensed amount of phase change material in thesecond phase, or a temperature threshold.
 13. The portable laser weaponsystem of claim 11, wherein the processor prevents the transition fromthe laser ready mode directly to the off mode.
 14. The portable laserweapon system of claim 11, wherein the processor causes a transitionfrom the laser ready mode to the thermal correction mode when at leastone of: a charge level of a power source falls below a predeterminedthreshold, a remaining amount of phase change material in the firstphase falls below a predetermined amount, or the temperature of thelaser generation module exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold.15. A method of using a portable laser weapon system comprising:providing a laser generation module, a laser emitting unit connected tothe laser generation module, and a heat mitigation module comprising aphase change material; generating heat by the laser generation module;and receiving the heat in the heat mitigation module, wherein the heatconverts the phase change material from a first phase to a second phase.16. The method of claim 15, wherein the phase change material isenclosed in at least one removable cooling pod, further comprising:placing the at least one cooling pod in a remote chiller to convert thephase change material from the second phase to the first phase.
 17. Themethod of claim 15, wherein the system further comprises a chiller,further comprising the step of: converting the phase change materialfrom the second phase to the first phase using the chiller.
 18. Themethod of claim 17, wherein the system further comprises a controlmodule having a processor, further comprising the step of: transitioningthe system between the following modes: an off mode, a system ready modewhere the laser generation module is partially operational and thechiller is inactive, a laser ready mode where the laser generationmodule is active and the chiller is inactive, a high usage mode wherethe laser generation module is active and the chiller is active, and athermal correction mode where the laser generation module is inactiveand the chiller is active.
 19. The method of claim 18, furthercomprising: transitioning from the laser ready mode to the thermalcorrection mode when a remaining amount of phase change material in thefirst phase falls below a predetermined amount.
 20. The method of claim18, wherein the system further comprises a temperature sensor, furthercomprising the step of: transitioning from the laser ready mode to thethermal correction mode when a temperature of the laser generationmodule exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold.
 21. The method ofclaim 18, wherein the system further comprises a power source, furthercomprising the step of: transitioning from the laser ready mode to thethermal correction mode when a charge level of the power source fallsbelow a predetermined threshold.